Border & Trade Facilitation: Malaysia’s Economy Ministry met AKPS to plan upgrades to border management, including infrastructure, tech adoption, strategic assets and operational capacity—aimed at smoother trade and stronger entry-point efficiency. Growth Watch: Indonesia reported 5.29% GDP growth in 2Q 2026, led by manufacturing and household consumption. Dealmaking & Investment: European business leaders urged Malaysia to pursue a high-quality EU-Malaysia FTA covering more than tariffs—regulatory barriers, customs streamlining and investment conditions—targeted for 2027. Banking Regulation: India’s RBI said it will resume licensing urban co-operative banks on an “on-tap” basis, review concentration risk norms for rural co-ops, and adjust advance interest-rate guidelines. Markets & Rates: South Africa’s rand edged up as oil fell and the dollar softened; investors await PMI data. Corporate Moves: Vodafone Germany launched a new enterprise tariff, replacing its prior bundled subscription. Business Climate (India): Delhi’s cabinet discussed a draft Ease of Doing Business Bill to cut approvals, add self-certification for low-risk firms, and reduce routine inspections. Local Business Resilience: Calexico’s mayor pushed to revive the border city’s business base, citing new incorporations and food trucks. Energy & Industry: Holcim Mexico invested nearly 200m pesos to process sugarcane bagasse into cement feedstock, cutting emissions via Geocycle tech.